Author: Juliana

Considering a change in the New Year? If you’re thinking about switching up your shade, you better read this first – especially if you’re thinking about going to the lighter side.

More and more people are transforming their tresses into a lighter tone. Perhaps it’s because blondes really do have more fun?!? Yellow Strawberry, a boutique salon with locations in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, outlines what you need to know before taking the plunge into the hair dying journey.

What trends are in for 2017? Just ask the stylists at Yellow Strawberry’s boutique salons, who recently heard from top hairstylists from New York, Los Angeles and Europe at its annual company conference.

During the all-day Nov. 7 conference, more than 60 Yellow Strawberry stylists saw demonstrations and learned from some of the best in the hairstyling industry. The inspirational, live how-to visuals with hair models revealed the trends and looks that will appear on the 2017 runways. Eleven local hair models and four professional models were used throughout the day.

“The hairline follows the hemline,” said Richard Weintraub, a master stylist of over 40 years and Yellow Strawberry co-owner. “Inspiration from the 70s is back in full force. Right now, hair trends are leaning that way, too. The inspiration for the 2017 runway is movement with texture, rich colors and an androgynous look with undone done hair.”

Bumble & bumble educator and Los Angeles stylist Christiaan van Breman highlighted the 2017 runway styles while Kérastase stylists showcased beautiful styling that illustrated the freshest trends from around the world on four models. Award-winning Aleksandar Blagojevic from Wella discussed the company’s trend vision for spring/summer 2017 and illustrated the styles on three models.

A-list haircutter, David Kinigson took the floor and focused on the art of hair cutting in a completely different way with three dry cuts on three local hair models for the day, including Leisa Weintraub, the vice president of marketing and the creative director for Neal Communities. A successful salon owner, Kinigson is an international editorial and runway stylist, celebrity hairdresser and a true renaissance artist.

During the Yellow Strawberry’s awards ceremony, 17 stylists received awards for their dedication to the craft.

This month we will be bringing on a new Men’s Product Line to our salons. We are so excited to introduce more options for our male clients to chose from. The new line includes a Men’s Shampoo, Thickening Spray, Gel, Water Wax, Creme Clay and Forming Fiber. Check out more information on the products below! And don’t forget to ask your stylist about it on your next visit!

Men’s epidermal skin and scalp is thicker, (why men tend to wrinkle less) but oilier, and pores/follicles often become clogged with spent surface cells, perspiration and oily hormones. This clogging can result in hair loss. It is very important to remove the unwanted toxins and increase blood flow for healthy hair growth.
Scalp Stimulating Shampoo is formulated to purify the scalp with Salicylic Acid to cleanse the follicles and exfoliate spent cells and flaky skin. It also has Menthol to increase blood flow and oxygenation to the root. Witch Hazel adds extra astringency and anti-inflammatory cleansing.
To use, apply quarter size amount to scalp, work into a rich lather and allow the lather to remain 2-3 minutes. Rinse. Repeat if necessary. Use daily to exfoliate flaky scalp.
Why you will Love it: The tingling sensation as the shampoo is working, leaves one feeling invigorated as well as the scalp feeling refreshed and the hair feeling clean and fuller.

Thickening Spray is a body-boosting primer that is part leave-in conditioner and part styling agent. As men tend to not use conditioners, this 2-in-1 primer contains high performance conditioning agents designed to bodify hair while giving excellent wet comb ease and provide dry comb styling memory retention. This spray provides extra body or curl control before applying the finishing styling products. Men with fine hair can use this spray to blow dry volume and extra fullness into the hair. Today’s modern POMP styles have a great deal of lift in the front and crown. Also, men with longer, curlier textures can use this primer to control their frizz/curls.
To use, spray LIBERALLY on damp hair and comb through.
Why you will Love it: Men with simple styling routines or shorter hair can use this conditioning, styling spray as their only fixative. Trendy men with sophisticated styles will love the extra volume, fullness and control this modern primer gives.

Swell Gel is a non-sticky, modern, multi-benefit gel. This gel provides body, hold and control without hardness or crispiness. Sea Kelp, called Bladderwrack, gives the unique lubricious feel to the formula and prevents the hair from sticking to the hands during application. This natural algae also gives cuticle-smoothing benefits to prevent frizz. Swell gel is great for men who are growing their hair longer. With longer hair, especially wavy/curly textures, the modern styles are not rock hard, but pliable with some controlled movement.
To use, apply 1-2 pumps to damp hair and allow to dry, or blow dry for volume.
Why you will Love it: It offers excellent humidity resistant control that looks and feels natural to the touch. Also, hands aren’t sticky upon application. For greying clients, this gel won’t turn the hair yellow.

Water Wax is a fabulous water based finishing wax without “the wax”. This moldable, moderate holding pomade gives high sheen. This formula is completely re-workable and rinses perfectly clean from the hair—no build up. It is perfect to create the very popular, shiny-combed back or to the side, Elvis-like looks.
To use, for the POMP style, prime the hair with Thickening Spray to get lift at the scalp and blow dry in volume and fullness on finer textures. Then, rub a dime size or more of Water Wax into your hands and finger style through the hair. Comb for perfection or leave slightly separated. For the wet looking SLICK style with less volume, still spray the hair liberally with Thickening Spray, but comb hair into place, apply Water Wax and re-comb.
Why you will Love it: Gels and typical wax based pomades just can’t create that High Sheen, super fashion forward look. A must-have puck in any hipster’s hair care cache!

Crème Clay is a medium-to-high hold, matte finish, styling crème. This formula gives a pliable hold that works great for medium to thick textures. It’s a great, easy to use, starter puck for men who don’t style with pucks. Eases your gel-using guys into more defined, fashionable, finishing products.
To use, apply to damp hair, or even hair blown dry with Swell Gel. Apply a pea size amount and start building and defining the style. To achieve more control, just add more Crème Clay.
Why you will Love it: Crème Clay is layerable and easy to use. It can be cocktailed with Water Wax to create more sheen or with Forming Fiber to create more separation and definition. Again, another must-have puck for matte finish days.

Forming Fiber is a high hold, semi-matte styling and finishing wax. It is best used on short hair (1-3 inches) due to the resinous nature of the product. You can see and feel it by pinching your fingers together repeatedly and see the resin form a fibrous network of hold as it dries. Forming Fiber is great for styles that need maximum control, just a dab can create maximum separation and definition. Great for finer textures that need more support and hold.
To use, apply to either damp hair or wet hair, start with a pea size amount and thoroughly heat it by rubbing into palms. Work into the hair to give desired direction, definition, lift and separation.
Why you will Love it: It can tame the most difficult textures into many fashionable styles.

“You’ve got to inspire your clients,” said Erin Armstrong, director of education and Bumble.Live educator for Be.Creative House with Bumble and bumble. “I want to show you hair in a new way or remind you of a way you may have forgotten. My goal is to make you feel inspired, ” she said to a room full of 25 Yellow Strawberry stylists.

Erin has worked with Bumble and bumble for over 10 years and also works at her salon – Topaz – in Austin, Texas. She’s a huge part of their fashion week team and works on shows like Thom Brown and Tanya Taylor.

She recently taught the daylong class at one of the Yellow Strawberry salons. The session focused on men’s precision haircutting and a women’s razor cut.

“We are helpful people,” said Erin. “We aim to please as hair stylists.”

The day began with a video about Bumble and bumble and a discussion on several before-and-after photos. Erin and the stylists discussed the potential products used and the styling techniques behind each and how it affected the client’s face. Whether it was a change in length, texture or density, the goal was to make a transformation for the client.

“A transformation can also be helping a client to style their hair in a different way,” said Erin, which is what she helped do with hair model Juliana – who hadn’t had her hair cut in two years. She wanted a new style with side bangs and a cut.

Erin and the Yellow Strawberry stylists talked about where to best part her hair and worked with her natural part. The consensus was to give her something a bit more rock and roll with structure and strength, bringing her length up about four to five inches.

Erin and the stylists also talked about each product in the Bumble line, which are available in the Yellow Strawberry salons. The brand’s prepping tonic is used on colored hair that needs a little more moisture and softening.

The Thickening Hair Spray can be used to add hold, memory and control for anyone who wants a heat-styled strong look with structure. Right after a blow dry, The Thickening Creme Contour is great for styles that don’t want to look perfect for a more piecey look.

The stylists watched as Erin went to work on Juliana’s hair. The result was a beautifully layered cut with side-swept bangs. Next up – the stylists saw and heard about men’s precision cutting and various techniques to refine their skills.

“This is another great example of the cutting-edge training we provide our stylists,” said Richard Weintraub, co-owner of Yellow Strawberry. “Trends fluctuate, but these precision-cutting techniques will remain relevant and timeless. These methods help our stylists develop the eye they need for flawless shapes and cuts.”

The history of your hair can sometimes make or break the result of your color service. Whether you had your color done 2 months ago or 2 years ago, we need to know.

3 inches can mean something different to everyone. Let alone, a “bob”, a “lob” or long layers. The more pictures the better! Even if it’s photos of what you DON’T want, it will help us understand your vision and your goals.

See! I told you!

When choosing a new do, you have to consider what you normally wear. And we need to know!

This should be tied for #1. If you are looking for a color change, book a consultation. Even if you think it’s an “easy appointment”, 90% that is not true. Trust your professionals and allow them the time!

Let’s face it, we are all guilty of this. When Kim Kardashian went blonde, this was my new hair obsession. “I NEED THAT”. But being that my hair is naturally super dark and fine, I had to come back to reality and realize that my hair would break off. I will never be blonde and ya know know, there is nothing wrong with that!

If you don’t blow dry your hair every morning, tell us! (Most of the time your stylist is going a week without blow drying their hair too!)

Please don’t show up with your hair full of product. And please don’t show up with wet hair. We want to understand the natural texture of your hair to give you the ultimate customized haircut.

I know sometimes being at a salon for a long time can make you antsy, but the less you move, the quicker your appointment will go! And of course, if there’s anything we can do, let us know! I’m sure one of our locations has Monopoly somewhere 😉

This is a tough one. I myself have been guilty of this and it’s honestly the worst thing you can do. Our job is to be there for you. We want you to be happy! And we MEAN that!! If there’s even the slightest thing bothering, please tell us.

We understand that life can get in the way, but being more than 15 or even 10 minutes late to your appointment could set back a stylist’s entire day. Or worse, we would have to reschedule you! Be respectful and be on time!

When considering a change, you have to think about your color AND your cut. If you come in for balayage and then next week you decide to chop off 5 inches off your hair, you are kissing all your stylist’s hard work goodbye.

“But I’m growing out my hair!” The truth is, the longer you go without trims, the slower your hair is going to grow. Talk to you stylist when growing out your hair and prebook your appointments so you don’t forget!

With before and after photos all over social media these days, it’s hard to understand sometimes why you can’t just change your hair color! Everyone’s hair texture, hair history, and hair condition is different. And sometimes those before and after photos you are seeing, are not done in one day! Keep these things in mind when you are wanting a big change.

Again, being honest with your stylist is the best thing you can do. Sometimes not saying something that day makes it harder to correct if you wait.

PLEASE DON’T CUT YOUR OWN HAIR. THAT’S WHAT WE’RE HERE FOR AND WE LOVE YOU.

Going to long in between color services can be more difficult for your stylist and more costly for you! Try to prebook your appointments so you don’t forget!

We don’t look at your cute outfit when you come in thinking “Well there goes that cute shirt cause we’re about to get color all over it!” But sometimes, and very rarely, a mistake can happen. If you’re going out after, bring your outfit separately! We can hang up whatever you need.

Remember that great scalp massage you got? Don’t forget to show your appreciation!

Ten Yellow Strawberry stylists spent their Sunday and Monday last week at a hands-on Master the Classics session. During the classes, attendees watched and learned classic haircutting and styling techniques that can be applied to the salon and beyond from a master – Damon Footer.

In 1987, Damon started his hairdressing career at Vidal Sassoon in London. Now, he owns Rua Salon and Spa in Los Angeles, Calif. The salon opened in May 2014 with the goal of providing a home for creative-minded people, with a clear focus on effortless, natural, beautiful hair.

“So few salons are educating their staff on the art of hairdressing,” said Damon. “It’s really important because it helps the young stylists refine and craft their skills, understand the trends and provides a huge step up over the competition.”

At Yellow Strawberry, it’s all about creating an experience for the salon’s customers and adding more tools to its stylists’ bag of hairstyling tricks. This class was specifically formatted for the younger stylists with one to four years of experience under their belts.

“I enjoy working with the younger stylists because I can relate to this experience. They are looking for direction and inspiration,” said Damon.

Damon provided that direction through two all-day sessions, which included haircutting demonstrations from Damon with models and consultations with each of the young stylist’s own models. Ten models were used each day to perfect their techniques.

“We want the haircut to stand alone,” said Caroline Behan, co-owner of Yellow Strawberry, to the junior stylists during one of the classes. “We want to create a doable and working haircut for our clients in a precise and consistent manner.”

The trends of today are far different than those 30 years ago. “The hair in the 80s was big,” said Damon. “Over the last 10 years, it’s become more natural. Now, we color hair to look like it hasn’t been colored.”

Model and client Amanda Rose decided to take the plunge and take her hair from a long to short style. Stylist Devon McLaughlin, a stylist at Yellow Strawberry for 1.5 years, helped her make the transition.

“We are seeing stronger shapes coming back in style,” said Caroline. “There is a need for precision and cutting-edge haircutting, and we want our staff confident and educated so when a client comes through our doors they know what they’re doing.”

“It’s all about the clients’ features, including face shape, hair color and texture, and we consider their lifestyle to further accentuate and enhance their desired look. This class helps our younger stylists take their skills to the next level.”

How often do YOU wash your hair? Some of us are everydayers, twice a weekers and then there’s some of us that should possibly wash our hair a bit more than we currently do. (I may or may not fall into the last category….)

Nonetheless, this sparks the question of, what IS best for your hair??

According to the hair gods, they recommend about 3 times a week. Always apply and work shampoo at the scalp, while keeping your conditioner on the ends. This will help your ends stay conditioned, and your scalp happy!

If you have highlighted or processed hair, try to wash your hair even less! Take advantage of the wonderful existence of dry shampoos and also remember to take care of your ends with the right conditioner (we recommend these) and regular hair trims.

For those of you with oily scalps, DO NOT over-shampoo your hair! By shampooing too often, our scalps will actually end up overcompensating by producing more oils than it should, resulting in an oily scalp.

Remember, changing your shampoo regimen takes about a week or so for your scalp to get used to so be patient! And dry shampoo is your BEST friend.

And now, without shame, we decided to ask some of our stylists how many days they go without shampooing.

Founded in 1994, Jane Iredale is the president and founder of Iredale Mineral Cosmetics, a company that carries Jane Iredale – her mineral makeup line. She was the first to supply the beauty industry with a line of makeup that had skin care benefits. As more and more women become mindful of the harmful ingredients in their makeup and its effects, they are turning to makeup lines that are good for their skin. Know as the skin care makeup, this line is allergy tested, clinically tested and dermatologist tested to ensure avoidance of any ingredients that may be skin sensitizers.

Jane Iredale’s many other benefits include:

Recommended by plastic surgeons and dermatologists

Non-comedogenic and will not block pores

Broad-spectrum UVB and UVA protection – up to SPF 30

Anti-inflammatory and helps to calm and soothe irritated skin

Very water resistant rating by an FDA-approved lab

Complete coverage for skin conditions like acne, rosacea and redness following treatments like chemical peels and laser

Contains no talc or parabens

Composed of inert minerals that cannot support bacteria

No products have been tested on animals

Allows skin to breathe while protecting it from airborne

No creasing or smearing even during the most strenuous

Jane Iredale offers the highest quality ingredients available to ensure satisfaction with performance, coverage, application and texture. The minerals conform to the most current technology available that ensure broad-spectrum sun protection. The formulas are buildable and talc free with no parabens or chemical synthetic dyes.

Only found in salons, spas and doctor’s offices, Yellow Strawberry, a boutique salon in Sarasota and Manatee counties, is one of the few locations in the area to carry Jane Iredale. The salons’ three sites have been carrying the product line for two years. Laura Halasz, one of the salon’s three makeup artists, expertly applies the brand’s line to clients weekly. In addition, Laura also offers services like eyelash and eyebrow tinting, eyelash extensions.

“The line’s best sellers are Smooth Affair, a facial primer and brightener, and the pressed powder,” says Laura. “The pressed and loose powders are also great for people with acne because it pulls toxins out of the skin.”

The salon offers Laura’s expertise and makeup skills for lessons for $65 per hour. The one-on-one time with Laura is definitely worth its weight in gold. Here are some of her tips:

The pressed and loose powders and the BB cream can be used as a concealer to cover dark circles.

For less waste, apply the foundation directly on the skin or makeup brush to get the best and most use from it.

For applying foundation, tap the brush or sponge into the foundation and roll it across the skin for more coverage.

“The line’s BB cream, which retails for $48, is a full-coverage foundation that we use a lot for weddings,” says Laura. “It has SPF 25 and protects against UVA and UVB rays. You don’t need a lot. Less is always more.”

For more information or to schedule a session with Laura, visit www.yellowstrawberryhair.com or call our Bee Ridge location at 941-924-1311.

Last Sunday we hosted our 2nd annual cut-a-thon event to benefit Oak Park School, the school for special needs in the Sarasota County School district that serves students close to 300 students from prekindergarten to age 22.

During the all-day event, 28 of our stylists donated their time to give haircuts for free, and participants were encouraged to make a donation of $20. The salon raised $3,000 and gave 46 haircuts throughout the day.

“We are extremely grateful for this partnership with Yellow Strawberry,” says Edwina Oliver, principal of Oak Park School. “This event helps us enhance additional events for our staff and initiatives for students that our normal district funding could not normally support. It helps us meet those needs in a fun and loving way and allows our families to come together.”